The vitriol and anger spewed out at Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry during the announcement of the new vaccine card surprised me.
Likening the card to the horrifying Nazi Nuremberg race laws was among the more cringe-worthy online comments accompanying her announcement.
But when the details of the proof of vaccine card finally rolled out, I had to ask myself: “What’s all the fuss about?”
Like many worried about the impact of this card, I thought it would be an impediment to my everyday life. Turns out it may do little more for me than guilt me into going back to the gym; something I stopped doing at the beginning of the pandemic.
It tuns out, the actual number of places where the card will be required is somewhat small, mostly entertainment venues and the like.
A vaccine card could entice me to get back to my pre-pandemic exercise routine because it will give me more more confidence to exercise in close proximity to others.
YOU CAN STILL SHOP WITHOUT A VACCINE CARD
For the most part, if you want to shop, eat at a mall or buy take out, no card is required, but if you want to do something like drink or dine with a friend, go to a movie, casino or theatre you’ll need one. (Full list of required venues here)
Going to a gym or any of the Tri-Cities community centres — Port Coquitlam Community Centre Hyde Creek Recreation Centre, Coquitlam’s City Centre Aquatic Complex and Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex or the Port Moody Recreation Centre — will require proof of vaccine status beginning this Monday, Sept. 13.
(Until Sept. 26, the card you got when you got vaccinated will suffice until you can download and print your BC Vaccine Card).
But most businesses, such as local malls, services, nail and hair places, won’t need your card — and depending on your lifestyle, you might not even need one. As a segregationist policy, as some have claimed, the card has limited reach, and thus, won't require you to reveal your vaccine status to anyone in most cases.
(The entire list of places where it’s required and how to get it is on the BC government vaccine card web page).
PUSH BACK EXPECTED IN THE COURTS
So I don’t really understand all this hate directed toward an initiative that’s supposed to give people some comfort when they do venture outside the house for a meal or movie.
There will be some pushback of course. And weddings, once again, will face disruption, especially if some family members are unvaxxed; they might be barred from attending.
Some smaller restaurants might struggle with the extra requirement of scanning or checking people’s vaccine status and having to deal with the hassle that might arise if an unvaxxed person tries to gain entry.
Vulnerable people and isolated individuals may have a hard time getting their vaccine card, and some people may not even know it’s required. (For those needing help, the number to call is the Get Vaccinated call centre (1 833 838-2323 )
There will be court cases, and human rights challenges maid and lots of news coverage of those left out.
VIGILANCE NEEDED TO ENSURE IT’S NOT MISUSED
But for the most part, the list of vaccine-required places is small and the impact of the new requirement will be felt most felt by people with disposable income to spend on these activities.
If the public is vigilant, it won’t be a slippery slope towards more government control, as some fear. In fact, the requirement to show you’re double vaxxed is supposed to end end Jan. 31, 2022, although that date could be extended.
The new proof of vaccine card is a much less intrusive document than I originally feared and not the segregationist policy that threatens our freedoms, as some have suggested.
The benefits, however, to struggling entertainment venues, theatres, restaurants, are significant, giving them protection against future shutdowns. Meanwhile, the card will give the majority of British Columbians who are doubled vaxxed, confidence to do more activities.
Like hitting the elliptical machine at your local gym.
